Perex: Meditation helps in improving sleep, reducing stress, and more. The clear truth about meditation is that it is not a sin! Read the post to learn how meditation is related to spirituality!
Do you shy away from meditation thinking that it is a sin? Do you feel that meditation is against the dictums of your religion? If yes, then a reality check is due. All the major religions of earth, such as Christianity, Islam, Hinduism, and Buddhism denounce practices like adultery, pride, violence, etc, and consider these as sins. But there is no scripture that forbids meditation or even discourages it. In fact, meditation is strongly recommended and is often regarded as an extension to spread and attain peace. Besides, when we move away from religion towards hard science, there are several reasons to support and promote meditation. Want to know what they are? Read ahead!
Benefits of Meditation: A Scientific Perspective
- Reduction in Stress
According to a study published in Pubmed, meditation does reduce stress. Mindful meditation can mitigate the inflammation response of the body triggered by stress.
- Improvement in Sleep
Insomnia is a major problem plaguing the current adult population. However, meditation is an excellent solution. A recent study reveals that people who meditated stayed asleep longer and had reduced insomnia, as compared with those who had an unmediated control condition.
- Helps Control Anxiety
The third evidence-based benefit of meditation is that it mitigates symptoms of anxiety. By reducing stress, meditating automatically lessens anxiety. A meta-analysis of 1300 adults found that meditation may decrease anxiety. Likewise, another scientific study encompassing 8 weeks of mindfulness meditation reduced anxiety symptoms with generalized anxiety disorder.
- May Increase Attention Span
Yes, meditation may potentially increase your attention. In fact, focused-attention meditation is akin to weight lifting for your mind, increasing its strength and endurance. A scientific study shows that people who listened to a meditation tape experienced improved attention and accuracy while completing a task vis-a-vis those in the control group.
So, now you know that there are evidence-based benefits of meditation. And the answer to the question - is meditation a sin - is a ‘Big No!’
Meditation and Spirituality Go Hand in Hand
The crux of the matter remains that meditation is most definitely not a sin. In fact, it is an integral element of spirituality. Meditation has been used for thousands of years as a trajectory to help humans cultivate inner peace, focus, and spiritual growth. It is a non-religious yet incredibly peaceful practice, which can be performed by people of all faiths or no faith at all!
Summary
So, there it was, our two cents on the topic - is meditation a sin? Well, the answer is a definite no. In fact, meditation has various science-based benefits, such as increasing your attention span, improving sleep, and more!
